Removable snowplow assembly with pivotable lift stand

ABSTRACT

A detachable snowplow blade lift assembly including a . .mount.!. .Iadd.mounting .Iaddend.frame permanently connected to the vehicle frame. A snowplow assembly including an A-frame and a snowplow blade mounted on the A-frame is pivotally connected to the . .mount.!. .Iadd.mounting .Iaddend.frame. A lift frame assembly including a lift actuator mechanism for raising and lowering the A-frame and snowplow blade is pivotally connected to the A-frame for rotation about a pivot axis. The snowplow blade lift assembly also includes a mounting arrangement for releasably connecting the A-frame and lift frame as a unit to the vehicle for pivotable movement of the A-frame relative to the vehicle and to the lift frame about the pivot axis. The A-frame mount affording pivotal movement of the A-frame and the lift frame about a common pivot axis provides a snowplow blade lift assembly which can be attached to, and detached from, the mounting frame as a unit and which has the capacity to stack snow.

.Iadd.This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/268,195, filedJun. 29, 1994, now abandoned..Iaddend.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The invention relates generally to snowplow blade lift assemblies formounting on a vehicle, and more particularly to snowplow blade liftassemblies which are releasably mounted on the vehicle.

2. Relation to Prior Art

It is often desirable to provide a snowplow blade lift assembly with amechanism affording the attachment and detachment of the snowplow bladelift assembly to the vehicle. The vehicle owner may wish to remove thesnowplow blade, for example, during times when the need for plowing snowarises infrequently or when the vehicle is used for purposes other thanfor plowing snow.

Conventional detachable snowplow blade lift assemblies often provide amounting frame permanently attached to the frame of the vehicle, a plowblade attached to an A-frame which, in turn, can be releasably connectedto the mounting frame, and a lift mechanism for the A-frame. Themounting frame of various such snowplow blade lift assemblies is locatedon the front end of the vehicle generally behind the vehicle's bumper.The A-frame with the attached plow is generally removable from thevehicle, but most commonly the lift mechanism, usually a relativelyheavy hydraulic lift unit, remains on the vehicle. Leaving the hydrauliclift unit on the vehicle, when the remainder of the plow assembly isremoved, extends exposure of the lift unit to the elements and topossible damage. In addition, the permanently mounted, relatively heavylift unit places the front of the vehicle under additional loading andcan reduce the operational life of the suspension of the vehicle. Also,leaving the relatively heavy hydraulic unit on the vehicle can reducethe fuel efficiency of the vehicle.

There has been proposed assemblies wherein the hydraulic lift unit canbe removed from the vehicle upon detachment of the plow and wherein thepositions of the plow assembly or support therefore remaining on thevehicle are located substantially behind the bumper. Examples of suchdetachable snowplow blade lift assemblies are illustrated in U.S. Pat.No. 4,279,084 which issued to Low et al. on Jul. 21, 1981; and U.S. Pat.No. 4,439,939 which issued to Blau on Apr. 3, 1984. These priorproposals, however, have been relatively complicated and/or requirednumerous assembly and disassembly steps and involved numerous separateparts.

Also, when plowing snow, it is sometimes desirable to push the plowedsnow into a pile and to "stack" snow on top of the pile or into a bankof snow. In order to stack snow, the A-frame of the snowplow assemblymust be free to pivot upwardly relative to the vehicle so that thesnowplow blade attached to the A-frame can rise up the slope of the snowbank. A problem with prior conventional detachable snowplow blade liftassemblies is that the mounting frames and components supported therebyare located in a position which interferes with the free upward movementof the A-frame, thereby diminishing the capacity of the snowplow bladelift assembly to stack snow.

Another problem associated with known snowplow blade lift assemblies isthat the attachment and detachment of the assembly to the vehicle canrequire lifting of the A-frame and the connection of various elements ofthe snowplow blade lift assembly to a mounting frame. Such lifting,attachment and detachment of the snowplow lift assembly can becumbersome and difficult.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide adetachable snowplow blade assembly, plow, A-frame and lift assembly,which can be attached and detached from the front of a vehicle as asingle unit.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a snowplowblade lift assembly that does not require a relatively heavy mountingframe to be permanently attached to the vehicle.

It is another object of the invention to provide a snowplow blade liftassembly which can be attached and detached from a vehicle withoutcumbersome manual lifting of the A-frame.

A more specific object of this invention is to provide a detachableplow, A-frame and lift assembly which, when detached, removes virtuallyall structural elements forward of the vehicle's bumper.

It is another object of the invention to provide a snowplow blade liftassembly having the above desirable characteristics and as well as thecapacity to stack snow.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

For the achievement of these and other objects, the present inventionprovides a detachable snowplow blade lift assembly including a mountframe permanently connected to the vehicle frame. A snowplow assemblyincluding an A-frame and a snowplow blade mounted on the A-frame isconnected to the mount frame for pivotal movement about a pivot axis. Alift frame assembly is pivotally connected to the A-frame for pivotalmovement about the pivot axis and includes, as a part thereof, a liftactuator mechanism for raising and lowering the A-frame and snowplow.The snowplow blade lift assembly also includes mounting means forreleasably connecting the A-frame and the lift frame as a unit to thevehicle for pivotable relative movement about the pivot axis between theA-frame and the vehicle and the lift frame. Provision of an A-framemount affording pivotal movement of the A-frame and the lift frame abouta common pivot axis allows the snowplow blade lift assembly to beattached to, and detached from, the mounting frame as a unit and alsoallows the A-frame and plow blade to pivot relative to lift frameassembly during the plowing of snow.

More particularly, the mount frame is located generally behind thebumper. The mount frame has a substantially unitary construction and isadapted to be releasably connected to the forwardly extending A-frame.The mount frame transfers loads resulting from the lifting and loweringof the snowplow assembly and .Iadd.resulting .Iaddend.from the plowingand stacking of snow from the A-frame and from the lift frame to thevehicle frame. The snowplow assembly includes mounting means forpivotally connecting the A-frame to the mount frame so that the A-frameand the associated snowplow blade can be pivoted .Iadd.relative to themount frame .Iaddend.about a generally horizontally extending pivotaxis. The lift frame is pivotally connected to the A-frame in a mannerso that the lift frame is pivotable relative to the A-frame about ahorizontally extending pivot axis which is coaxial with the A-framepivot axis. The lift frame is also selectively connectable to the mountframe on the vehicle so that the lift frame can be secured to thevehicle when the A-frame is attached to the vehicle while remainingpivotable relative to the A-frame.

The snowplow assembly affords removal of the A-frame and the lift framewith the lift actuator from the mounting frame assembly as a unit sothat, when the plow assembly and lift frame assemblies are removed, thevehicle forward of the bumper is unencumbered with apparatus extendingbeyond the bumper for supporting the snowplow blade. Since the liftactuator and the lift frame remain with the A-frame when the A-frame isremoved from the vehicle, the lift actuator need not be disconnectedfrom the A-frame when the A-frame is removed from the vehicle. Themounting means for attaching and detaching the snowplow blade assemblyfrom the vehicle as a unit and the construction and arrangement of thecomponents of the blade assembly also facilitates attachment anddetachment of the snowplow blade assembly and facilitates storage of thesnowplow assembly as a unit.

The snowplow blade lift assembly also provides an A-frame mount designhaving the capacity to stack snow. The lift frame is pivotable relativeto the A-frame and supports the lift actuator mechanism in an elevatedposition which affords a range of free upward movement of the A-framenecessary for the stacking of snow. While the lift frame remainspivotable relative to the A-frame, the lift frame, during plowing, isfixed to the vehicle so that lights and other accessories which may bemounted on the lift frame remain fixed relative to the vehicle duringplowing and during stacking of snow.

The A-frame also includes a support stand for supporting the A-frame ina generally horizontal position when the A-frame is detached from thevehicle, or is in the "blade-off" position. The support stand also canbe used to adjust the height of the A-frame when mounting the snowplowassembly on the mount frame. More particularly, the support stand ispivotally connected to the A-frame for rotation between a generallyhorizontal "blade-on" storage position and a vertical "blade-off"support position. The support stand can be connected to the lift framewhich can be used as a lever to adjust the vertical position of theA-frame with respect to the mounting frame. The support stand alsoincludes an arrangement for selectively preventing and affordingrotation of the lift stand so that the snow plow assembly can be safelystored without tipping. The provision of a snowplow blade assemblyhaving a support stand which can be selectively pivotally rotated tosupport the A-frame and having a mechanism to adjust the height of thesnowplow assembly affords relatively simple attachment and detachment ofthe snowplow assembly without manual lifting of the A-frame.

Thus, it is a principal feature of the present invention to provide asnowplow blade support and lift that can be removed from the vehicle asa unit leaving the forward end of the vehicle free of structure forwardof the vehicle's bumper.

It is another principal feature of the present invention to provide asnowplow blade assembly that can be attached and detached to the vehiclein a simple manner without cumbersome . .manually.!. .Iadd.manual.Iaddend.lifting .Iadd.of .Iaddend.the snowplow blade assembly.

It is another principal feature of the present invention to provide asnowplow blade assembly having the capacity to stack snow and providinga lift stand which, during plowing, is fixed to the vehicle.

Various other features and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the followingdetailed description, claims and drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a first alternative embodiment of adetachable snowplow blade lift assembly embodying the invention and inthe "blade-off" position.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the assembly shown in FIG. 1 and inthe "blade-on" position.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a portion of the assembly illustrated in FIG.1.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the portion illustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5--5 in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a second alternative embodiment of a detachable snowplow bladelift assembly embodying the invention.

FIG. 7 is a side view of a portion of the embodiment illustrated in FIG.6.

FIG. 8 is a front view of the portion illustrated in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the portion illustrated in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10--10 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 11--11 in FIG. 1.

Before one embodiment of the invention is explained in detail, it is tobe understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of construction and the arrangement of components set forthin the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Theinvention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced orbeing carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that thephraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Illustrated in the drawings is a detachable snowplow blade lift assembly10 embodying the invention. The assembly 10 is adapted to be mounted onthe front of a vehicle, such as a pick-up truck, having a conventionalframe. In the embodiment of the . .invention.!. .Iadd.snowplow bladelift assembly 10 .Iaddend.shown in . .FIG. 1.!. .Iadd.FIGS. 1-5, 10 and11.Iaddend., the vehicle frame includes .Iadd.a pair of .Iaddend.sidemembers 12 (.Iadd.only one shown) .Iaddend.and a bumper 14 located atthe front end of the vehicle and supported in front of the side members12.

The detachable snowplow blade lift assembly 10 includes a mounting frameassembly 16 which is preferably permanently fixed to the vehicle. Asnowplow assembly 18 including a snowplow blade 20 is connectable to themounting frame assembly 16 through an A-frame 22 which extends forwardlyfrom the vehicle. A lift frame assembly 24 is pivotally connected to theA-frame 22 and is releasably connectable to the mounting frame assembly16.

In general, mounting frame assembly 16 comprises a unitary structurefixed to the frame of the vehicle and located behind bumper 14. Mountingframe assembly 16 is connected to the A-frame 22 and .Iadd.to.Iaddend.the lift frame assembly 24 . .to transfer.!. .Iadd.fortransferring .Iaddend.the loads created by carrying the snow plowassembly 18, by lifting and lowering plow blade 20, and by plowing andstacking snow from the A-frame 22 and lift frame assembly 24 to thevehicle frame.

More particularly, in the first alternative embodiment shown in FIGS.1-5, the mounting frame assembly 16 includes a laterally extending mountframe 26 .Iadd.that is .Iaddend.connected .Iadd.at multiple points.Iaddend.to the vehicle frame.Iadd.. The vehicle frame supports themounting frame assembly 16 such that the mounting frame assembly 16 issuspended in substantial part below the vehicle frame .Iaddend.and.Iadd.is .Iaddend.located .Iadd.immediately .Iaddend.behind bumper 14.Mount frame 26 includes (FIGS. 3, 4) an upper box section 28 extendinglaterally between .Iadd.the .Iaddend.side members 12 .Iadd.(not shown inFIGS. 3 and 4) .Iaddend.and a pair of laterally spaced-apart mount framelegs 30 which are fixed at their upper ends to the opposite ends 31 ofbox section 28 and which extend downwardly. The mount frame 26 alsoincludes, on each of the opposite ends 31 of box section 28, mountingplates 32 which are adapted to be fixed in a conventional manner to sidemembers 12 .Iadd.at a first point of connection.Iaddend.. The mountframe 26 also includes a centrally located mount frame clevis 34.Iadd.which is .Iaddend.fixed to the box section 28 and . .extending.!..Iadd.which extends .Iaddend.therefrom generally upwardly and forwardly. .over.!..Iadd.. As shown in FIG. 1, the clevis 34 has a distal endlocated adjacent the upper surface of the .Iaddend.bumper 14. The boxsection 28 transfers loads applied to the mount frame clevis 34 to theside members 12 which can result in torsional stresses on the boxsection 28. Accordingly, the construction of box section 28 should bedesigned to accommodate these torsional stresses.

The mounting frame assembly 16 also includes .Iadd.(FIGS. 3-5).Iaddend.a spreader element 36 which is located below and behind bumper14 and which is fixed to the mount frame 26. The spreader element 36includes a laterally extending spreader bar 38 having opposite ends 39.The spreader element 36 also includes a pair of spreader legs 40 whichextend upwardly from respective opposite ends 39 of the spreader bar 38.The spreader legs 40 are (FIG. 5) fixed by fasteners to the lower endsof the mount frame legs 30 to form with the mount frame 26 (FIG. 4), agenerally rectangular, rigid unit .Iadd.41 .Iaddend.wherein the spreaderbar 38 and box section 28 form the long, horizontal sides of the unitand the spreader legs 40 and mount frame legs 30 form the short,vertical sides of the unit. .Iadd.As best shown in FIG. 2, the unit 41formed by the interconnected box section 28 and spreader element 36 islocated between and, in substantial part, below the mounting plates 32which define the first point of connection between the mounting frameassembly 16 and the vehicle. .Iaddend.Preferably the spreader legs 40have (FIG. 3) a plurality of bolt holes 43 therethrough so that thevertical distance between the spreader bar 38 and the box section 28 canbe adjusted to accommodate various vehicle frames.

The spreader bar 38 supports on its forward surface adjacent eachopposite end 39 a forwardly extending clevis or A-frame mounting lug 42.The A-frame mounting lugs 42 are fixed to the spreader bar 38 by weldingor, as shown in FIGS. 7-9, by releasable fasteners 44. The mounting lugs42 comprise a pair of spaced-apart vertical plates 45, each of whichhave extending therethrough a hinge pin hole 47 and are arranged on thespreader bar 38 so that the hinge pin holes 47 are coaxially aligned ona generally horizontal pivot axis 46.

The mounting frame assembly 16 also includes a thrust frame 48 extendingrearwardly and upwardly from the spreader element 36 to .Iadd.a secondpoint of connection with .Iaddend.the side members 12 of the vehicleframe. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3-5, the thrust frame 48includes a laterally extending cross bar 50 having opposite ends 51 eachof which support a mounting block 52. As shown in FIG. 1, the mountingblocks 52 are conventionally fixed to the side members 12 .Iadd.at thesecond point of connection .Iaddend.by means of fasteners 53 shown as anut and bolt assembly. A pair of thrust bars 54 extend forwardly fromthe cross bar 50 and are connected by a nut and bolt assembly 55 to thespreader 36. Preferably, and as shown in FIG. 5, the thrust bars 54,spreader legs 40 and mount frame legs 30 are all connected by the samenut and bolt assembly 55.

.Iadd.Because the spreader element 36 extends from the box sectiondownwardly and rearwardly below the side members 12, and because thethrust bars 54 extend rearwardly from below the side members 12 to thesecond point of connection between the vehicle and mounting frameassembly 16, the mounting frame assembly 16 provides a mounting framehaving a first point of attachment to the vehicle frame and first andsecond portions extending rearwardly and forwardly of the first point ofattachment; the first portion extending to a second point of attachmentto the vehicle located rearwardly of the first attachmentpoint..Iaddend.

FIGS. 6-9 illustrate a . .mount.!. .Iadd.mounting .Iaddend.frameassembly 56 which is second alternative embodiment of . .mount.!..Iadd.mounting .Iaddend.frame assembly 16 and which is arranged to bemounted on a vehicle having a frame including a centrally located,longitudinally extending frame member 57. Similar to the firstalternative . .mount.!. .Iadd.mounting .Iaddend.frame assembly 16, ..mount.!. .Iadd.mounting .Iaddend.frame assembly 56 comprises a unitary,rigid structure fixed to the frame of the vehicle. .Iadd.Also similar tothe first alternative mounting frame assembly 16, the mounting frameassembly 56 is substantially entirely located rearwardly of the front ofthe vehicle's bumper. When the snowplow assembly 18 is removed from themounting frame assembly 56, the vehicle is left unencumbered bystructure forward of the bumper. .Iaddend.The . .mount.!. .Iadd.mounting.Iaddend.frame assembly 56 includes a laterally extending box section28. Extending outwardly from each opposite end 31 of box section 28 are.Iadd.respective .Iaddend.mounting plates 32.Iadd., each .Iaddend.havinga forward facing surface and having an upwardly facing surface which isadapted to be fixed in a conventional manner to the vehicle chassis.Iadd.at a first connection point.Iaddend.. The . .mount.!..Iadd.mounting .Iaddend.frame assembly 56 also includes .Iadd.A-frame.Iaddend.mounting lugs 42 which are fixed to . .forward.!. the forwardfacing surface of mounting plates 32. Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 7and 8, the mounting lugs 42 are fixed to mounting plates 32 by thefasteners 44.

Mounting frame assembly 56 also includes a rearwardly extending thrustmember 58 which extends rearwardly from the center of the box section 28and which, at its rearward end, is in the form of a mounting plate 60adapted to be fixed to the centrally located .Iadd.vehicle.Iaddend.frame member 57 .Iadd.at a second connection point.Iaddend..

The mounting frame assembly 56 also includes (FIG. 8) a forwardlyopening socket 62 on the box section 28 intermediate the opposite ends31. Socket 62 is formed by a pair of .Iadd.spaced-apart.Iaddend.forwardly extending vertical plates 63 and a pair of.Iadd.spaced-apart, .Iaddend.forwardly extending horizontal plates 64 ..and.!..Iadd.. For reasons discussed below, the socket 62 .Iaddend.isadapted to receive . .one.!. .Iadd.a first .Iaddend.leg 65 of anL-shaped hitch arm 66. The hitch arm 66 (FIGS. 6 and 7) is removablyconnected to . .mount.!. .Iadd.mounting .Iaddend.frame 56 by means of apin connection whereby a hitch arm pin 67 extends through the verticalplates 63 and through .Iadd.the first .Iaddend.leg 65. The other leg 68of hitch arm 66 .Iadd.comprises a pair of spaced-apart plates defining acenter link clevis 69 that .Iaddend.extends from the forward end of leg65 forward of bumper 14 and extends generally upwardly. .Iadd.As bestillustrated by FIG. 6, the A-frame mounting lugs 42 and the socket 62are located below and rearwardly of the front of the bumper 14.Accordingly, when the hitch arm 66 is removed from the socket 62, suchas when the snowplow assembly 18 is removed from the mounting frameassembly 56, the entirety of the mounting frame assembly 56 is locatedrearwardly of the bumper 14 and is located substantially below thebumper 14. The mounting frame assembly 56 thus also provides a mountingframe that is fixed to the vehicle at a first connection point, has afirst portion extending rearwardly below the vehicle frame to a secondconnection point, and has a second portion extending forwardly from thefirst connection point below and forwardly of the vehicle bumper.

The construction of the mounting frame assembly 56 is particularlyadvantageous in that it can be fixed to the underside of a vehicle frameand otherwise completely installed without the necessity of removing thebumper from the vehicle. In addition, when the snowplow assembly 18 andhitch arm 66 are removed from the mounting frame assembly 56, the entiremounting frame assembly 56 remaining on the vehicle lies below the planedefined by the upper surface of the bumper and lies behind the planedefined by the forward surface of the bumper..Iaddend.

The snowplow assembly 18 is releasably connectable to .Iadd.either.Iaddend.the mounting frame assembly 16 .Iadd.or alternatively to themounting frame assembly 56.Iaddend.. FIG. 1 illustrates the snowplowassembly 18 in the "blade-off" position wherein the snowplow assembly 18is detached from the vehicle. FIGS. 2 and 6 illustrate the snowplowassembly 18 in the "blade-on" position wherein the snowplow assembly 18is .Iadd.respectively .Iaddend.connected to .Iadd.either .Iaddend.themounting frame assembly 16 .Iadd.or the mounting frame assembly 56. Theconstruction of the A-frame 22 need not be modified for use of theA-frame 22 with the alternative mounting frame assemblies 16, 56.Accordingly, with respect to the A-frame construction, reference will bemade only to mounting frame 16 with the understanding that exceptions tothe compatibility of the A-frame 22 with both mounting frame assemblies16 and 56 will be expressly noted. .Iaddend.The A-frame 22 comprises(FIGS. 1, 11) a pair of side members 70 each having forward and rearwardends 72, 74. The rearward ends 74 of the side members 70 are generallylaterally spaced-apart and the forward ends 72 are closely-spaced andare joined by (FIG. 1) an A-frame apex plate 75. A pair of A-framemounting plates 76 extend generally vertically from the upper surfacesof the respective side members 70 adjacent the respective rearward ends74. The A-frame mounting plates 76 have a portion extending rearwardlyof the rearward ends 74 of side members 70 and are arranged so that theycan be moved into registry between the vertical plates . .47.!. .Iadd.45.Iaddend.of the A-frame mounting lugs 42. Each of the A-frame mountingplates 76 have therethrough a hinge pin hole 78. The hinge pin holes 78are coaxially aligned and can be moved into alignment with the hinge pinholes 47 in the A-frame mounting lugs 42 so that the respective hingepin holes 47, 78 in the A-frame mounting lugs 42 and plates 76 arecoaxially aligned on the pivot axis 46 and are adapted to receive (FIGS.. .1, ).!. .Iadd.2, 6 and .Iaddend.11) a removable hinge pin 80. A pairof hinge pins 80 can be inserted into the aligned hinge pin holes 47, 78to join the mounting lugs 42 and mounting plates 76 to afford pivotalrotation . .between.!. .Iadd.of .Iaddend.the A-frame 22 . .and.!..Iadd.relative to .Iaddend.the mounting frame assembly 16 about thepivot axis 46.

The A-frame 22 also includes (FIGS. 10, 11) a laterally extending basemember 81 supported by the rearward ends 74 of the A-frame side members70. A pair of lift frame clevises 82 are located on the rearward facingsurface of the base member 81 and are located . .between the.!..Iadd.inwardly of the pair of .Iaddend.A-frame mounting plates 76. Eachlift frame clevis 82 has therethrough a bolt hole 84 and .Iadd.eachclevis 82 .Iaddend.is arranged so that bolt holes 84 are coaxiallyaligned with pivot axis 46 and with hinge pin holes 78 in the A-framemounting plates 76. . .The.!. .Iadd.For reasons discussed below, the.Iaddend.A-frame 22 also includes (FIG. 11) a cross-bracket 86 whichextends laterally between the A-frame side members 70 . .and.!..Iadd.,.Iaddend.which is located forward of the base member 81 and .Iadd.whichis located .Iaddend.rearward of the apex plate 75. The A-frame 22 alsoincludes a support stand bracket 88 comprising a pair of.Iadd.spaced-apart .Iaddend.bracket plates 89 extending between thecross-bracket 86 and the base member 81. As shown in FIG. 11, theforward ends of the plates 89 flare outwardly laterally . .at.!..Iadd.beneath .Iaddend.the cross-bracket 86.

The snowplow assembly 18 also includes support stand means 90 forsupporting the snowplow assembly 18 in the "blade-off" position so thatthe side members 70 are substantially horizontal. The support.Iadd.stand means 90 includes the .Iaddend.stand bracket 88 ..includes.!. .Iadd.and .Iaddend.a pivot pin 92 fixed to, and extendingbetween the bracket plates 89. The bracket 88 also includes a center pinhole 94 .Iadd.that is .Iaddend.located in the bracket plates 89 betweenthe cross-bracket 86 and the pivot pin 92 . .and.!..Iadd.. The bracketalso includes .Iaddend.a first storage pin hole 96 .Iadd.that is.Iaddend.located rearward of the pivot pin 92 and forward of base member81. The support stand means 90 also includes a support stand 98 having aleg 99 located between the bracket plates 89. The support stand 98includes, at one end of leg 99, a generally dish-shaped base 100 and,at-the other, free end of leg 99, a plurality of pin holes 101 includinga second storage pin hole 102. Leg 99 has therethrough an elongated slot106 surrounding the pivot pin 92, thereby affording pivotal andtranslational movement of leg 99 relative to the support bracket 88 ..and affording rotation of the.!.. .Iadd.The .Iaddend.support stand 98.Iadd.is moveable .Iaddend.between (FIG. 1) a "blade-off" supportposition wherein support leg 99 is vertically oriented and the base 100is on the ground and (FIG. 2) a "blade-on", storage position wherein thesupport stand 98 is generally horizontal. Leg 99 also has therethrough(FIG. 1) a center pin hole 107 located adjacent one end of slot 106.

When the .Iadd.support .Iaddend.stand 98 is in the horizontal "blade-on"storage position, the storage pin hole 102 in the leg 99 aligns with the.Iadd.first .Iaddend.storage pin hole 96 in the support bracket 88 sothat a removable storage pin 108 can be inserted therethrough to retainthe support stand 98 in the storage position. When the snowplow assembly18 is attached to the vehicle and the support stand 98 is in the"blade-on" position, leg 99 is substantially received between the plates89 of the bracket 88 and the base 100 is . .received between theoutwardly flared forward ends of plates 89.!. .Iadd.held in a raisedposition forward of the cross bracket 86 .Iaddend.so that base 100 doesnot interfere with plowing.

When the snowplow assembly 18 is in (FIG. 1) the "blade-off" position,the support stand 98 can be moved to the vertical support position sothat the base 100 rests on the ground. In a manner described below, theA-frame side members 70 can be moved upwardly relative to support stand98 so that pivot pin 92 translates to the upper end of slot 106 and sothat center pin holes 94 and 107 in the bracket 88 and leg 99respectively are aligned. A center pin 109 can then be inserted into thecenter pin holes 94 and 107 to prevent movement of leg 99 relative tothe A-frame 22 and to prevent tipping of the support stand 98 and thesnowplow assembly 18.

The lift frame assembly 24 is permanently pivotally mounted on theA-frame 22 and .Iadd.can be fixed to the mounting frame assemblies 16,56. The lift frame assembly 24 supports a lighting fixture 160 includinglights 149 and brackets 148. Brackets 148 are attached to side members112 and cross member 124 of the lift frame assembly 24. The lift frameassembly also .Iaddend.includes actuator means 110 for pivotally raisingand lowering .Iadd.the .Iaddend.A-frame 22 and the snowplow blade 20about the pivot axis 46. . .Lift.!. .Iadd.In general, and as morespecifically discussed below, when the lift frame assembly 24 is fixedto one of the mounting frame assemblies 16, 56, the lifting frameassembly supports the lights 149 in fixed position relative to thevehicle and affords the raising and lowering of the snowplow assembly18. Also, the .Iaddend.frame assembly 24 is pivotally connected to theA-frame base member 81 so that the snowplow assembly 18 and the liftframe assembly . .22.!. .Iadd.24 .Iaddend.can be removed from thevehicle as a unit, the actuator means 110 .Iadd.and the lighting fixture160 .Iaddend.also being removed as part of that unit.

Lift frame assembly 24 includes (FIGS. 1. ., 10, 11.!. .Iadd.and10.Iaddend.) a pair of goose neck side members .Iadd.112 .Iaddend.eachhaving a lower portion 113 pivotably connected to a respective one ofthe lift frame clevises 82. The lower portion 113 of each side member112 curves forwardly and upwardly from the base member 81 to an upperportion 114 which extends in front of and vertically past the bumper 14.The lower portions 113 of each side member 112 have fixed thereto a liftframe mounting . .plane.!. .Iadd.plate .Iaddend.115 having a bolt hole116 therethrough so as to align with the bolt holes 84 in the lift frameclevises 82 and so as to be coaxially aligned with pivot axis 46. Bolt118 .Iadd.(shown only in FIG. 11) .Iaddend.pivotally connects lowerportions 113 of side members 112 and base member 81 of A-frame 22 sothat the lift frame assembly 24 . .and the A-frame 22.!. is pivotableabout the pivot axis 46 . .and is pivotable.!. relative to the.Iadd.A-frame 22 and relative to the .Iaddend.mounting frame assembly 16. .about pivot axis 46.!..

The lift frame assembly 24 also includes a plurality of .Iadd.crossmembers .Iaddend.extending between the goose neck side members . .120.!..Iadd.112.Iaddend.. Depending upon whether the first alternativeembodiment of the . .mount.!. .Iadd.mounting .Iaddend.frame assembly 16is used, or whether the second alternative embodiment of the . .mount.!..Iadd.mounting .Iaddend.frame assembly 56 is used, the lift frameassembly 24 can have various arrangements of cross members. For example,FIGS. 1 and 10 illustrate a first alternative embodiment of the liftframe assembly 24 which is adapted for use with the first alternativeembodiment of the . .mount.!. .Iadd.mounting .Iaddend.frame assembly 16(shown in FIGS. 1-5). FIG. 6 illustrates a second alternative embodimentof the lift frame assembly 24 which is adapted for use with the secondalternative embodiment of the . .mount.!. .Iadd.mounting .Iaddend.frameassembly 56 (shown in FIGS. 5-8). As illustrated, however, bothdisclosed alternative embodiments of lift frame assembly 24 include asupport stand cross member 123 extending laterally between lowerportions 113 of the goose neck side members . .120.!..Iadd.112.Iaddend., an upper cross member 124 extending laterallybetween the upper portions 114 of the goose neck side members 112 and anintermediate cross member 126 extending laterally between the goose neckside members 112 between the support stand cross member 123 and theupper cross member 124.

The support stand cross member 123 supports (FIGS. 1, 6, 10) a ..forwardly extending.!. support stand clevis 128 which is centrallylocated between the goose neck members . .120.!. .Iadd.112 .Iaddend.andwhich is connectable with the upper, free end of the support leg 99 whenthe support stand 98 is in the vertical "blade-off" position. Thesupport stand clevis 128 comprises . .(FIG. 10).!. a pair ofspaced-apart plates 130 .Iadd.(FIG. 10) .Iaddend.each havingtherethrough a storage pin hole 132 .Iadd.(FIG. 2) .Iaddend.which can bealigned with one of the holes 101 in the support stand 98. . .When.!..Iadd.As best shown in FIG. 1, when .Iaddend.in the "blade-off"position, support stand 98 can moved relative to the A-frame 22 virtueof the slot 106/pin 92 connection and can be moved so that the free endof . .lug.!. .Iadd.support leg .Iaddend.99 is located between clevisplates 130 and so that one of storage pin holes 101 . .align.!..Iadd.aligns .Iaddend.with storage pin hole 132. Support stand 98 canthen be fastened to the support stand clevis 128 in its "blade-off"position by inserting a storage pin 131 into the .Iadd.aligned storagepin .Iaddend.holes 101, 132. As shown in FIG. 6, when the A-frame 22 isconnected to the mounting frame 16 and when the support stand 98 ispinned to the . .lift frame 24.!. .Iadd.support stand clevis128.Iaddend., base 100 of the support stand 98 may be spaced from theground.

. .The.!. .Iadd.In the embodiment of the lift frame assembly 24 shown inFIGS. 1, 2 and 10, the .Iaddend.intermediate cross member 126 supportsthereon a centrally located actuator mounting clevis 134 that opensgenerally upwardly and also supports thereon a . .rearwardlyextending.!. hitch clevis 135 and .Iadd.a rearwardly extending.Iaddend.mount frame link 136. When the A-frame 22 is fixed to the ..mount.!. .Iadd.mounting .Iaddend.frame assembly 16.Iadd., .Iaddend.thelift frame assembly 24 can be pivoted rearwardly (clockwise in FIG. 1)from its "blade-off" storage position toward the vehicle and toward ..mount.!. .Iadd.the mounting .Iaddend.frame assembly 16 to (FIGS. 2, 6)a "blade-on" position wherein the mount frame link 136 can be connectedto the mount frame clevis 34 or, in the case of mount frame assembly 56,to the .Iadd.center link clevis 69 on the .Iaddend.hitch arm 68 by ahitch pin 137 to prevent relative movement between the lift frameassembly 24 and the mounting frame assembly 16.

.Iadd.In the embodiment of the lift frame assembly 24 shown in FIG. 6,the intermediate cross member 126 and the lower cross member 123 supporta hitch clevis 135 extending therebetween. A mounting frame link 136extends rearwardly from the hitch clevis 135..Iaddend.

. .The.!. .Iadd.As shown in FIGS. 1, 6 and 10, .Iaddend.upper crossmember 124 pivotally supports thereon a lift arm support lug 138 and apivotable lift channel or arm 140 having a first end 141 supported bythe lift arm support lug 138 and a second, forward end 142 extendinggenerally forward of the upper cross member 124. The pivotal connectionof the upper cross member 124 and the lift arm 140 affords relativepivotal movement therebetween about (FIG. 10) a generally horizontalaxis 143. The forward end 142 of the lift arm 140 is in the form of achain hook and is connected to a chain 144 extending between the chainhook and the A-frame apex plate 75.

.Iadd.The lift frame assembly 24 also includes the lighting fixture 160.The lighting fixture 160 includes (FIG. 10) a pair of headlamp brackets148 which extend laterally outwardly and upwardly from the upperportions 114 of respective goose neck side members 112. Each headlampbracket 148 supports a respective head lamp 149. As mentioned above,when the lift frame assembly 24 is mounted on one of the mounting frameassemblies 16, 56, the lighting fixture 160 is fixed to the vehicle in aposition over the snowplow blade 20. Such positioning and support of thelighting fixture 160 provides a lighting fixture 160 that is operationalduring plowing of snow and that is removable from the vehicle as a unitwith the snow plow assembly 18. It is operational in the sense that thelights are above the plow in both its upper position (travel/stacking)and lower position (plowing) and thus the plow blade does not interferewith the light rays. Also, the lights being fixed relative to thevehicle, their orientation is not affected by movement of the plowblade..Iaddend.

The lift frame assembly 24 also includes a conventional hydraulicactuator 146 having a lower end pivotally supported by the actuatormounting lug 134 and having a piston rod 148 pivotally connected withthe lift arm 140 so that extension of the piston rod 148 rotates (orraises) the lift arm 140 about axis 143 and causes rotation, by thechain connection, of the A-frame 22 and the plow blade 20 about thepivot axis 46. .Iadd.While conventional constructions for actuator means146 can be used, U.S. Pat. No. 4,999,935 entitled "Hydraulic System andApparatus for Use with Vehicle Accessory Units" which issued to Simi, etal, on Mar. 19, 1991 illustrates a preferred construction of theactuator means 146. .Iaddend.The hydraulic actuator means 146 remainsfixed to the lift frame assembly 24 and preferably provides a source ofhydraulic pressure so that detachment of the snowplow assembly 18 andlift frame assembly 24 does not require disconnection of any hydrauliclines. Rather, disconnection of the actuator means 146 .Iadd.and thelighting fixture 160 .Iaddend.from the vehicle requires only thedisconnection of . .a pair of electrical connections 149. Whileconventional constructions for actuator means 146 can be used, U.S. Pat.No. 4,999,935 entitled "Hydraulic System and Apparatus for Use withVehicle Accessory Units" which issued to Simi, et al, on Mar. 19, 1991illustrates a preferred construction of the actuator means 146..!..Iadd.an electrical connection 147..Iaddend.

The detachable snowplow blade lift assembly 10 thus provides A-framemounting means for releasably and pivotally connecting the A-frame 22and the mounting frame assembly 16 for relative pivotal movementtherebetween about a generally horizontally extending pivot axis 46 andlift frame mounting means for connecting the lift frame assembly 24 tothe A-frame 22 for selective relative pivotal movement about the pivotaxis 46 and for releasably fixing the lift frame assembly 24 relative tothe mounting frame assembly 16.

The snowplow assembly 18 and lift frame assembly 24, with the actuatormeans 110 .Iadd.and lighting fixture 160.Iaddend., can be attached as aunit to the vehicle by the following steps: first, the vehicle can bemoved into close proximity to the rearward ends 74 of the A-frame 22 sothat the A-frame mounting lugs 42 and the A-frame mounting plates 76 areregistered. Alternatively, the snowplow assembly 18 can be pushed intoposition at the front of the vehicle without risk of tipping the A-frame22 because of the locking engagement of the center pin 109, the supportstand 98 and the support stand bracket 88. Once the mounting plates 76are registered between the respective mounting lugs 42, the center pin109 can be removed from the support stand 98 and .Iadd.the.Iaddend.support stand bracket 88 to afford limited translation ofsupport stand 98 (by virtue of the slot 106/pin 92 arrangement) relativeto pivot pin 92. Due to the substantial weight of actuator means 110,the center of gravity of the lift frame assembly 24 when in its storageposition is located forward of the support stand so that the lift frameassembly has a tendency to rotate forwardly (counter-clockwise in FIG.1). Due to the pin connection of the lift frame assembly 24 and theA-frame 22 and due to the pinned connection of the lift frame clevis 128and the support stand 98, the weight of the A-frame 22 is borne by thepin 131 and by the support stand 98. The weight of lift frame assembly24 pulls the A-frame upwardly about a center of rotation at the plowblade 20 so that pivot pin 92 moves to the top or to the upper end ofslot 106.

The A-frame mounting plates 76 can be moved with respect to the A-framemounting lugs 42 in order to vertically align the hinge pin holes 47, 78by rotating the lift frame assembly 24 relative to the A-frame 22 aboutthe pivot axis 46. Such rotation of the lift frame assembly 24 causespivotal movement of A-frame side members 70 about a center of rotationat the plow blade 20 and causes nearly vertical movement of the rearwardends 74 of the side members 70. This resultant vertical displacement ofthe mounting plates 76 is possible by virtue of the pinned connectionbetween the support stand clevis 128 and the upper end of support leg 99and the slot 106/pin 92 relationship of the support stand 98 and thesupport stand bracket 89. By using the side members . .120.!. .Iadd.112.Iaddend.as a lever to rotate the lift frame assembly 24 rearwardly fromits "blade-off" storage position (clockwise in FIG. 1) the mountingplates 76 can be moved slightly rearwardly and downwardly (shown inphantom) to adjust the height of the A-frame 22 and to align the hingepin holes 47, 78. When the hinge pin holes 47, 78 are aligned, a pair ofhinge pins 80 are inserted to connect the mounting lugs 42 and themounting plates 76 so as to pivotally connect the A-frame assembly 22 tothe . .mount.!. .Iadd.mounting .Iaddend.frame assembly 16 for rotationtherebetween about the pivot axis 46. Thus the snowplow blade liftassembly 10 includes lift stand means for alternatively selectivelypreventing and affording relative movement between the support stand andthe A-frame to adjust the vertical position of the A-frame with respectto the mounting lugs 42.

The lift frame assembly 24 can then be connected to the . .mount.!..Iadd.mounting .Iaddend.frame assembly 16. Since center pin 109 isremoved from bracket 88, lift frame assembly 24 can freely rotate aboutthe pivot axis 46 relative to the A-frame 22. The lift frame assembly 24can be rotated rearwardly (clockwise in FIGS. 1, 2) to register themount frame link 136 (FIG. 2) with, in the case of . .mount.!..Iadd.mounting .Iaddend.frame assembly 16, the . .mount.!..Iadd.mounting .Iaddend.frame clevis 34 or, in the case of . .mount.!..Iadd.mounting .Iaddend.frame assembly 56 (FIG. 6), .Iadd.the centerlink clevis 69 on .Iaddend.the forward end 68 of the hitch arm 66. Whenthe holes in the mount frame link 136 and the mount frame clevis 34 or ..hitch arm 68.!. .Iadd.center link clevis 69 .Iaddend.are aligned, hitchpin 137 can be placed therethrough to fix the lift frame assembly 24 tothe . .mount.!. .Iadd.mounting .Iaddend.frame assembly 16. Preferably,the center pin 109 for locking the support stand 98 in the "blade-off"position is also used as hitch pin 137 to fix the . .mount.!..Iadd.mounting .Iaddend.frame link 136 and the . .mount.!..Iadd.mounting .Iaddend.frame clevis 34 or hitch arm 68.

When, as shown in FIG. 6, the A-frame assembly 22 and lift frameassembly 24 are fixed to the . .mount.!. .Iadd.mounting .Iaddend.frameassembly 16, the support stand 98 can then be rotated from its vertical,"blade-off" position (FIG. . .2.!. .Iadd.1.Iaddend.) to its horizontal"blade-on" position and held in place by the support stand pin 108extending through the respective storage pin holes 96, 102 in thesupport stand bracket 89 and support leg 99. Preferably, the storage pin131 which is used to connect the support stand 98 and the support standclevis 128 is also used as storage pin 108 for securing the supportstand 98 in the "blade-off" position. Last, .Iadd.the.Iaddend.electrical .Iadd.connection .Iaddend.147 for .Iadd.thehydraulic .Iaddend.actuator 110 .Iadd.and the lighting fixture 160.Iaddend.can be connected to a source of electric current in the vehiclein a conventional manner.

As shown in FIG. 2, the lift frame assembly supports the actuatormechanism .Iadd.146 .Iaddend.for raising and lowering the A-frame 22 andsnowplow blade 20 about the pivot axis 46 in an elevated position abovethe bumper of the vehicle. Further, the goose neck side members 112 andthe mount frame assembly 16 are located in close proximity to the bumper14 and provide a range of free upward pivotal movement of the A-frame 22about the pivot axis 46. Such a range of free movement (shown in phantomin FIG. 2) is desirable in order to provide a detachable snowplow bladelift assembly having the capacity to stack snow. Such a range of freemovement also provides greater ground clearance for the plow blade 20when the vehicle travels with the plow assembly in a raised position. Inthe disclosed embodiment, the A-frame 22 can pivot about pivot axis 46to an upwardly rotated position approximately 40 degrees fromhorizontal, which range is limited by (FIG. 6) a pair of A-frame stops150 located on the side members 112 in such a position so as to preventdamage to the actuator means 110 during stacking of snow and duringtravel with the snowplow assembly 18 in a raised position.

While capable of stacking snow, the disclosed snowplow assembly .Iadd.18.Iaddend.also provides a lift frame assembly .Iadd.24 .Iaddend.which,when mounted on the vehicle, supports the lights .Iadd.149 .Iaddend.infixed relation to the vehicle and which is connectable anddisconnectable with the A-frame 22 from the mounting frame 16 as a unit.. .Providing.!. .Iadd.The provision of .Iaddend.a lift frame .Iadd.24.Iaddend.which . .is capable of supporting.!. .Iadd.supports.Iaddend.the lights .Iadd.149 so as to be permanently fixed to thesnowplow assembly 18 and removable from the vehicle as a unit with thesnowplow assembly .Iaddend.is desirable . .and providing.!..Iadd.. Inaddition, the provision of .Iaddend.a headlight . .support.!..Iadd.fixture 160 which is .Iaddend.fixed relative to the vehicle.Iadd.during plowing .Iaddend.is necessary for safe and efficientplowing of snow.

To remove the snowplow assembly 18 and lift frame assembly 24, with thelift actuator 110 .Iadd.and lighting fixture 160.Iaddend., as a unitfrom the mount frame assembly 16, the pined connections described abovecan be released in reverse order.

In addition to ease of attachment and removal, the overall unit, plowblade, A-frame, lift frame assembly and lift actuator, as a result ofthe construction and arrangement of the component parts is particularlywell adapted for storage as a unit.

Various other features of the invention are set forth in the followingclaims:

We claim:
 1. A vehicle mounted snowplow blade assembly comprisingavehicle having a frame member and a bumper, a . .mount.!. .Iadd.mounting.Iaddend.frame fixed to the frame member and located generally behindthe bumper, a snowplow blade assembly including an A-frame and asnowplow blade fixed to the A-frame, a lift frame supported by theA-frame, and mounting means for selectively connecting the A-frame tothe mounting frame for pivotable movement about a generally horizontallyextending pivot axis and for affording removal of the A-frame and thelift frame from the mounting frame as a unit so as to leave the ..mount.!. .Iadd.mounting .Iaddend.frame on the vehicle and behind thebumper.
 2. A vehicle mounted snowplow blade lift assembly as set forthin claim 1 wherein the mounting means includes means for selectivelyconnecting the lift frame and the . .mount.!. .Iadd.mounting.Iaddend.frame and wherein, when the lift frame and the . .mount.!..Iadd.mounting .Iaddend.frame are connected, the A-frame is pivotableabout said axis relative to the lift frame and the . .mount.!..Iadd.mounting .Iaddend.frame.
 3. A vehicle mounted snowplow blade liftassembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said lift frame is supported bysaid A-frame for pivotable movement about said pivot axis, and whereinthe mounting means includes means for selectively connecting the liftframe and the . .mount.!. .Iadd.mounting .Iaddend.frame.
 4. A vehiclemounted snowplow blade lift assembly as set forth in claim 3 wherein themounting means affords a range of free upward pivotal movement of saidA-frame when said snowplow assembly is connected to said . .mount.!..Iadd.mounting .Iaddend.frame.
 5. A vehicle mounted snowplow blade liftassembly as set forth in claim 4 wherein the range of movement isapproximately 40 degrees from horizontal.
 6. A vehicle mounted snowplowblade lift assembly as set forth in claim 1 and further includingactuator means supported by the lift frame for pivoting the snowplowassembly about the pivot axis to raise and lower said snowplow bladeassembly.
 7. A vehicle mounted snowplow blade lift assembly as set forthin claim 6 wherein the lift frame supports the actuator means above thebumper.
 8. A vehicle mounted snowplow blade lift assembly as set forthin claim 1 wherein the mounting means affords removal of the A-frame andthe lift frame from the vehicle so that the vehicle is substantiallyunencumbered by structural members in front of the bumper.
 9. A vehiclemounted snowplow blade lift assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein thesnowplow assembly includes support stand means for supporting theA-frame in a generally horizontal position and, when the A-frame is notconnected to the mounting frame, for selectively adjusting the verticalposition of the snowplow assembly.
 10. A vehicle mounted snowplow bladelift assembly as set forth in claim 9 wherein the support stand meansincludes a support leg pivotally supported by the A-frame and includesmeans for selectively and alternatively affording and preventingrotation of the support leg.
 11. A vehicle mounted snowplow blade liftassembly as set forth in claim 10 wherein the lift frame is pivotallysupported by the A-frame, and wherein the support stand means includesmeans for releasably connecting the support leg and the lift frame sothat pivotal movement of the lift frame adjusts the vertical position ofthe A-frame.
 12. A vehicle mounted snowplow blade lift assembly as setforth in claim 11 wherein the lift frame is supported by the A-frame forpivotal movement about the pivot axis.
 13. A vehicle mounted snowplowblade assembly comprisinga vehicle frame, a mounting frame connected tothe vehicle frame, a snowplow assembly including an A-frame and asnowplow blade mounted on the A-frame, A-frame mounting means forreleasably and pivotally connecting the A-frame and the mounting framefor relative pivotal movement therebetween about a generallyhorizontally extending pivot axis, a lift frame, lift frame mountingmeans for connecting the lift frame and the A-frame for selectiverelative pivotal movement therebetween about the pivot axis and forreleasably connecting the lift frame to the mounting frame, and actuatormeans on the lift frame for selectively causing pivotal movement of theA-frame about the pivot axis relative to the . .mount.!. .Iadd.mounting.Iaddend.frame.
 14. A vehicle mounted snowplow blade lift assembly asset forth in claim 13 wherein the vehicle frame includes a bumper,wherein the mounting frame is located substantially behind the bumper,and wherein the A-frame mounting means and the lift frame mounting meansafford removal of the snowplow assembly and the lift frame from thevehicle so as to leave the front of the vehicle forward of the bumperunencumbered and so as to leave the . .mount.!. .Iadd.mounting.Iaddend.frame behind the bumper.
 15. A vehicle mounted snowplow bladelift assembly as set forth in claim 14 wherein the lift frame issupported by the A-frame and extends upwardly therefrom in front of thebumper.
 16. A vehicle mounted snowplow blade lift assembly as set forthin claim 15 wherein the lift frame supports the actuator means above thebumper.
 17. A vehicle mounted snowplow blade lift assembly as set forthin claim 13 wherein the A-frame mounting means and the lift framemounting means afford removal of the snowplow assembly and the liftframe from the vehicle as a unit.
 18. A vehicle mounted snowplow bladelift assembly as set forth in claim 17 wherein the A-frame mountingmeans affords a range of free upward pivotal movement of the snowplowassembly about the pivot axis.
 19. A vehicle mounted snowplow blade liftassembly comprisinga vehicle having a frame member, a mount framesupported by the frame member, the mount frame having thereon a mountinglug, a snowplow assembly including an A-frame, a snowplow bladesupported by the A-frame, A-frame mounting means for selectivelyconnecting the A-frame and the mount frame, and a support standpivotally connected to the A-frame for rotation between a blade-onposition wherein the support stand is generally parallel to the A-frameand a blade-off position wherein the support stand is generally verticaland supports the A-frame in a generally horizontal position, and liftframe means for alternatively selectively preventing and affordingrelative movement between the A-frame and . .of.!. the support stand toadjust the vertical position of the A-frame with respect to the mountinglug.
 20. A vehicle mounted snowplow blade lift assembly as set forth inclaim 19 wherein the A-frame mounting means includes means for pivotallyconnecting the A-frame and the mount frame for relative rotationtherebetween about a generally horizontal pivot axis, wherein the liftframe means includes a lift frame pivotally supported on the A-frame and.Iadd.said support stand is .Iaddend.releasably connectable to . .thesupport stand.!. .Iadd.said lift frame.Iaddend..
 21. A vehicle mountedsnowplow blade lift assembly as set forth in claim 20 wherein, when thelift frame is connected to the support stand, rotation of the lift frameabout the axis causes movement of the support stand relative to theA-frame.
 22. A vehicle mounted snowplow blade lift assembly as set forthin claim 21 wherein the A-frame and the lift frame are pivotable about acommon axis.
 23. A vehicle mounted snowplow blade lift assembly as setforth in claim 22 wherein the lift frame supports actuator means forrotating the A-frame about the pivot axis.
 24. A vehicle mountedsnowplow blade lift assembly as set forth in claim 19 wherein theA-frame mounting means affords a range of free upward movement of thesnowplow assembly.
 25. A vehicle mounted snowplow blade lift assembly asset forth in claim 24 wherein the A-frame mounting means provides apivotable connection between the mounting frame and the A-frame.
 26. Avehicle mounted snowplow blade lift assembly as set forth in claim 25wherein the range of movement is from horizontal to approximately 40degrees from horizontal. .Iadd.
 27. A snowplow blade assembly connectedto a vehicle having a frame and a forward bumper and comprisingamounting frame having a first point of attachment to said vehicle frame,said mounting frame including a first portion extending, relative tosaid vehicle, rearwardly of said first point of attachment to a secondpoint of attachment to said vehicle frame, said mounting frame furtherincluding a second portion extending, relative to vehicle, forwardly ofsaid first point of attachment, said first and second frame portionsbeing located beneath said frame and said second frame portion extendingforwardly beneath said bumper, a snowplow assembly including an A-frameand a snowplow blade mounted on the A-frame, A-frame mounting means forreleasably and pivotally connecting the A-frame and the mounting framefor relative pivotal movement therebetween about a generallyhorizontally extending pivot axis, a lift frame, lift frame mountingmeans for connecting the lift frame and the A-frame for selectiverelative pivotal movement therebetween about the pivot axis and forreleasably connecting the lift frame to the mounting frame, said liftframe including elongated support means extending from said A-frameupwardly and forward of said bumper to an upper end, and actuator meanson the lift frame for selectively causing pivotal movement of theA-frame about the pivot axis relative to the mountingframe..Iaddend..Iadd.
 28. The snowplow blade assembly of claim 27wherein said elongated support means comprisesfirst and secondvertically extending elongated members, and means connecting saidelongated members in laterally spaced relationship, and wherein saidactuator means is connected to said elongated support means between saidelongated members..Iaddend..Iadd.
 29. The snowplow blade assembly ofclaim 27 wherein said elongated support means includes first and secondvertically extending members, said first and second vertically extendingmembers, relative to said bumper, bow outwardly and upwardly to a pointgenerally in front of said bumper and then continue an extensionupwardly from said point to a terminal end above saidbumper..Iaddend..Iadd.
 30. The snowplow blade assembly of claim 27whereinsaid mounting frame includes a link extending forwardly andupwardly relative to said bumper and also includes A-frame receivingmeans located below said link, said A-frame mounting means includingsaid A-frame receiving means, and including means connecting said linkto said elongated support means above said A-frame receivingmeans..Iaddend..Iadd.31. The snowplow blade assembly of claim 30 whereinsaid link is located behind said bumper..Iaddend..Iadd.32. The snowplowblade assembly of claim 31 wherein said link is releasably connected insaid mounting frame so that said link is selectively removabletherefrom..Iaddend..Iadd.33. The snowplow blade assembly of claim 27wherein the snowplow assembly includes support stand means forsupporting the A-frame in a generally horizontal position and, when theA-frame is not connected to the mounting frame, for selectivelyadjusting the vertical position of the snowplow assembly..Iaddend..Iadd.The snowplow blade assembly of claim 27 wherein said elongated supportmeans comprisesfirst and second vertically extending elongated members,and said first and second vertically extending members, relative to saidbumper, bow outwardly and upwardly to a point generally in front of saidbumper and then continue an extension upwardly from said point to aterminal end above said bumper..Iaddend..Iadd.35. The snowplow bladeassembly of claim 27 whereinsaid mounting frame includes a linkextending forwardly and upwardly relative to said bumper and alsoincludes A-frame receiving means located below said link, said A-framemounting means including said A-frame receiving means, and includingmeans connecting said link to said elongated support means above saidA-frame receiving means..Iaddend..Iadd.36. The snowplow blade assemblyof claim 27 wherein the pivotal axis of said A-frame relative to saidA-frame receiving means and the pivotal axis of said lift frame relativeto said A-frame are co-axial..Iaddend..Iadd.37. A snowplow bladeassembly connected to a vehicle having a frame and a forward bumper andcomprisinga mounting frame attached to said vehicle frame behind andbeneath said bumper and including a portion extending forwardly beneaththe level of said bumper, a snowplow assembly including an A-frame and asnowplow blade mounted on the A-frame, A-frame mounting means forreleasably and pivotally connecting the A-frame and the mounting framefor relative pivotal movement therebetween about a generallyhorizontally extending pivot axis, said mounting frame including a linkextending forwardly and upwardly relative to said bumper and alsoincluding A-frame receiving means located below said link, said A-framemounting means including said A-frame receiving means, a lift frame,said lift frame including elongated support means extending from saidA-frame upwardly and forward of said bumper to an upper end, lift framemounting means for connecting the lift frame and the A-frame forselective relative pivotal movement therebetween and for releasablyconnecting the lift frame to the mounting frame, said lift framemounting means including said link and said link being connected to saidelongated support means above said A-frame receiving means, said A-framereceiving means having a releasable connection to said A-frame and saidlink having a releasable connection to said elongated support means, andactuator means on the lift frame for selectively causing pivotalmovement of the A-frame about the pivot axis relative to the mountingframe..Iaddend..Iadd.38. A vehicle mounted snowplow blade assemblycomprisinga vehicle having a frame member and a bumper, a mounting framefixed to the frame member and located generally behind the bumper, asnowplow blade assembly including an A-frame and a snowplow blade fixedto the A-frame, a light fixture supported by the A-frame and including aheadlamp located above the snowplow blade, and mounting means forselectively connecting the A-frame to the mounting frame for pivotablemovement about a generally horizontally extending pivot axis and foraffording removal of the A-frame and the light fixture from the mountingframe as a unit so as to leave the mounting frame on the vehicle andbehind the bumper..Iaddend..Iadd.39. A snowplow blade assembly as setforth in claim 38 and further including actuator means supported by alift frame for pivoting the snowplow blade assembly about the pivot axisto raise and lower the snowplow blade assembly..Iaddend..Iadd.40. Asnowplow blade assembly as set forth in claim 38 wherein the lift frameincludes a pair of upright members, each of which have a lower endconnected to the A-frame and an upper end supporting the light fixtureand wherein said upright members have a pivot connection to said A-frameco-axial with said pivot axis of said A-frame..Iaddend..Iadd.41. Asnowplow blade assembly connected to a vehicle having a frame and aforward bumper and comprisinga mounting frame having a first point ofattachment to said vehicle frame, said mounting frame including a firstportion extending, relative to said vehicle, rearwardly of said firstpoint of attachment to a second point of attachment to said vehicleframe, said mounting frame further including a second portion extending,relative to vehicle, forwardly of said first point of attachment, saidfirst and second frame portions being located beneath said frame andsaid second frame portion extending forwardly beneath said bumper, asnowplow assembly including an A-frame and a snowplow blade mounted onthe A-frame, A-frame mounting means for releasably and pivotallyconnecting the A-frame and the mounting frame for relative pivotalmovement therebetween about a generally horizontally extending pivotaxis, an accessory frame supported by the A-frame, said accessory frameincluding at least one elongated support member extending from saidA-frame upwardly and forward of said bumper to an upper end, and aheadlamp supported by the upper end of the elongated supportmember..Iaddend..Iadd.42. The snowplow blade assembly of claim 41wherein said headlamp is supported above the snowplow blade,said atleast one elongated support member, relative to said bumper, bowsoutwardly and upwardly to a point generally in front of said bumper andthen continues an extension upwardly from said point to said upper end,and wherein said elongated support member has a pivot connection to saidA-frame co-axial with said pivot axis of said A-frame..Iaddend..Iadd.43.A snowplow blade assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein the lift framesupports a light fixture in a position above the snowplowblade..Iaddend..Iadd.44. A snowplow blade assembly as set forth in claim43 wherein mounting means affords removal of the A-frame, the liftframe, and the light fixture as a unit from the mountingframe..Iaddend..Iadd. A vehicle mounted snowplow blade assemblycomprisinga vehicle having a frame member and a bumper, a mounting framefixed to the frame member and located generally behind the bumper, asnowplow blade assembly including an A-frame and a snowplow blade fixedto the A-frame, a support frame connected to the A-frame, and whereinthe A-frame and the support frame are connected to the mounting framefor pivotable movement of the A-frame about a generally horizontallyextending pivot axis and for affording removal of the A-frame and thesupport frame from the mounting frame as a unit so as to leave themounting frame on the vehicle and behind the bumper..Iaddend..Iadd.46. Avehicle mounted snowplow blade assembly comprisinga vehicle frame memberand a vehicle bumper, a snowplow blade assembly including a first frameand a snowplow blade connected to said first frame, mounting means forselectively connecting said first frame to said vehicle frame member forpivotable movement of said first frame and said snowplow blade relativeto said vehicle frame member about a generally horizontally extendingaxis, a second frame member, means for connecting said second framemember to said vehicle, and means connecting said second frame member tosaid first frame for pivotable movement therebetween about saidhorizontally extending axis so that when said second frame member isattached to said vehicle, said first frame member is pivotable relativeto said vehicle with said second frame member remaining stationaryrelative to said vehicle and said first frame and does not interferewith the pivotal movement of said first frame member and said snowplowblade..Iaddend..Iadd.47. A vehicle mounted snowplow blade assembly asset forth in claim 45 wherein said support frame, when connected to saidmounting frame, includes an extension in front of and above said bumper,and including an actuator connected to said support frame and saidA-frame to pivot said A-frame about said pivot axis..Iaddend..Iadd.48. Avehicle mounted snowplow blade assembly as set forth in claim 45including a headlamp connected to said support frame and removable withsaid A-frame and said support frame..Iaddend..Iadd.49. A vehicle mountedsnowplow blade assembly as set forth in claim 45 including a supportstand connected to said snowplow blade assembly and extending therefromfor ground engagement to support said snowplow blade assembly whendetached from said vehicle, said support stand connected to saidsnowplow blade assembly for movement to store said support stand whensaid snowplow blade assembly is attached to saidvehicle..Iaddend..Iadd.50. A vehicle mounted snowplow blade assembly asset forth in claim 49wherein said support stand is connected to saidA-frame, and including an adjustable connection of said support stand tosaid A-frame to selectively vary the position of said stand relative tosaid A-frame to vary the horizontal position of said snowplow bladeassembly..Iaddend..Iadd.51. A vehicle mounted snowplow blade assembly asset forth in claim 45 wherein the snowplow blade assembly includes asupport stand for supporting the A-frame in a generally horizontalposition and, when the A-frame is not connected to the mounting frame,for selectively adjusting the vertical position of the snowplow bladeassembly..Iaddend..Iadd.52. A vehicle mounted snowplow blade assembly asset forth in claim 46 wherein said second frame member includes anextension in front of and above said bumper, and including an actuatorconnected to said second frame member and said first frame member topivot said first frame member about said horizontally extendingaxis..Iaddend..Iadd.53. A vehicle mounted snowplow blade assembly as setforth in claim 46 including a headlamp connected to said second framemember and removable with said first frame member and second framemember..Iaddend..Iadd.54. A vehicle mounted snowplow blade assembly asset forth in claim 46 including a support stand connected to saidsnowplow blade assembly and extending therefrom for ground engagement tosupport said snowplow blade assembly when detached from the vehicle,said support stand connected to said snowplow blade assembly formovement to store said support stand when said snowplow blade assemblyis attached to the vehicle..Iaddend..Iadd.55. A vehicle mounted snowplowblade assembly as set forth in claim 54wherein said support stand isconnected to said first frame member, and including an adjustableconnection of said support stand to said first frame member toselectively vary the position of said stand relative to said first framemember to vary the horizontal position of said snowplow bladeassembly..Iaddend..Iadd.56. A vehicle mounted snowplow blade assembly asset forth in claim 46 wherein the snowplow blade assembly includes asupport stand for supporting the first frame member in a generallyhorizontal position and, when the first frame member is not connected tothe mounting means, for selectively adjusting the vertical position ofthe snowplow blade assembly..Iaddend.